Of Irish Descent...Which tartan?

[Avonlea22]

Hello Brian, good to see you here, welcome to "my place"

How are you going with an Irish tartan? did you check out that site I mentioned?
Another place of interest might be the Irish Kilt Club http://www.somebody.to/irishkiltclub.htm

I understand that Rocky (USAK)is out of stock of the Shamrock tartan, I was asking about it.

And a nice place it is!

please refresh my memory as to what site you mentioned to me...I'm sure I did, but don't remember, off hand.

And yes, Rocky is out of the shamrock tartan. I'll see what he has available later this week when he updates his site. I'm leaning more toward Black Watch at this point. It's an accepted tartan, and seems to be a good overall "generic" tartan. I think once I have my first kilt, and am sure it's something that will get some use, I'll then look into getting one that's better quality and has a tartan that matches my family/Irish history.

thanks for all of the input, everyone!

[Avonlea22]

How about an Irish National Tartan.

Casey

I will look into that for my second kilt, when the time comes. That tartan had crossed my mind, but I think for a beginner kilt, I'll go with something more reasonably priced and readily available. Thanks!

[Jimmy Carbomb]

I'm leaning more toward Black Watch at this point. It's an accepted tartan, and seems to be a good overall "generic" tartan.

You will MOST DEFINATELY not want to do that as an Irishman.

Stay away from the Stewart tartans too. Other than that, you're pretty safe with the other tartans. Remember that the Irish and Scottish tended to "mix" through the ages. Find your family names through the ages, and go with that.

If you need help with the family name reference with clan and Scottish crossovers... let us know. I have the resources to find them fast.

[macwilkin]

Stay away from the Stewart tartans too.

Jimmy -- what about all of those Irish Jacobites who fought for Jamie at the Boyne, not to mention the Irish regiments from France sent to support Charlie at Culloden?

Sorry, couldn't resist...

Cheers,

T.

[Avonlea22]

You will MOST DEFINATELY not want to do that as an Irishman.

Well that just makes things more difficult. hmmm.

I'm trying to stay with a not-so-expensive first kilt, which limits my choices for tartans. I've decided pretty much on either Bearkilts or USAK. I have to choose what they offer, and the Balck Watch is a true Tartan, unlike many of their other offerings at USAK. That is why I thought I'd go with that tartan. I certainly want to have a kilt that looks authentic in regards to the tartan, and don't want to end up with something bought off the shelf at Jo-Anne Fabrics.

Well, My last name is Wilson. My grandfather was born in County Tyrone. I would really appreciate any information you could provide me that may help me choose an appropriate tartan . Thanks

Brian

[bubba]

The easy part is finding an appropriate Irish tartan pattern. Where it can get tough is finding someone that weaves it. There are loads of tartans that no one makes except on special order and that get real expensive. Black Watch is a good first tartan since it's such a common one and the dark colors look good on most anyone. I've found Black Watch fabric at Jo Anns and Hancock Fabrics on a regular basis, usually in cotton, but occasionally in a poly blend.

[Colin]

You will MOST DEFINATELY not want to do that as an Irishman.

Well that just makes things more difficult. hmmm.

I'm trying to stay with a not-so-expensive first kilt, which limits my choices for tartans. I've decided pretty much on either Bearkilts or USAK. I have to choose what they offer, and the Balck Watch is a true Tartan, unlike many of their other offerings at USAK. That is why I thought I'd go with that tartan. I certainly want to have a kilt that looks authentic in regards to the tartan, and don't want to end up with something bought off the shelf at Jo-Anne Fabrics.

Well, My last name is Wilson. My grandfather was born in County Tyrone. I would really appreciate any information you could provide me that may help me choose an appropriate tartan . Thanks

Brian

Why not go really Irish and get a saffron kilt from Bear. He also has the green kilt with the tri colour piping. This would eliminate the "which tartan?" question.
http://bearkilts.com/irishkilts.html

[Avonlea22]

I've considered that, but I like the look of the tartan kilts better. I guess I want more of a traditional look for the first one.

[macwilkin]

The Saffron kilt actually is a "traditional" kilt; Pipers in the Irish Regiments of the British Army & the Irish Republic's Armed Forces wear the saffron as part of their uniform. It is a very striking statement and not seen very often.

Cheers,

T.

[awoodfellow]

http://www.lindaclifford.com/IrishTyroneSA.html

'brose